Because the tar sands oil would be pumped thru pipelines that were not designed for the substance, Vermont Natural Resources Council Energy Program Director Johanna Miller says the potential for spills and accidents are much greater.

National Wildlife Federation Northeast Regional Executive Director Curtis Fisher says over a three year period, pipelines that have transported tar sands fuel have had three times the number of spills than conventional oil lines.

Enbridge Spokesman Graham White told WAMC late Tuesday afternoon that they do not own any pipelines in New England and the line in question is owned by the Portland-Montreal Pipeline Company. He said it would be inappropriate to make comments in a region where they have no operations. White continued on to note that the project the environmental coalition is referring to is a defunct effort from three or four years ago and he emphasized that they are not pursuing it in any way.